Past Champions

2017: Eastern View 11-1 (6-0)

2018: Eastern View 13-1 (6-0)

2019: Eastern View 10-2 (5-1)

2020: King George 8-1 (6-0)

2021: King George 10-1 (6-0)

2022: King George 12-1 (7-0)

2023: King George 13-1 (7-0)

The Battlefield district has seen it's fair share of dominant squads in its storied history. However since the VHSL made districts matter again on 2017, this district has only had 2 different teams at the top dominating the rest of the competition. This year could prove to be different as coming into this season Eastern View, Courtland and of course King George will likely all be vying for that top spot. But don't count out the rest! This district has proven to be tricky for even the most dominant teams! Now let's get into the teams

Eastern View

Wins Projection: 8

The Eastern View Cyclones are a model of consistency in the region, and last year’s 9-1 regular season continued that tradition. However, a disappointing first-round playoff loss to the defending Class 4 champion Dinwiddie, 42-25, left them hungry for more. Despite their success, the Cyclones haven’t won the district since 2019, with King George taking the spotlight in recent years. Now, under head coach Brian Lowery in his 4th season, Eastern View looks poised to reclaim their place at the top. Defensively, they’re anchored by (Senior) LB/TE Brett Clatterbaugh, a Virginia Tech commit who will lead the charge from his linebacker position. On offense, (Junior) QB Aaron Hull will be the key to moving the ball, with plenty of help from (Junior) WR William Butler. In the trenches, (Senior) T/DE Brandon Weaver and (Junior) DE Da'trez Gahagan provide the power and athleticism that Eastern View will rely on to control the line of scrimmage. A look at their schedule shows a slight bump in difficulty from last season. Eastern View has replaced a small Westmoreland team with a growing contender from Richmond, Huguenot, Brooke Point and North Stafford are big schools that always have dangerous talent, and their district matchups with Courtland and 4x Defending district champion King George will likely be tough games. The Cyclones have all the pieces to compete at the highest level, and with King George’s dominance potentially wavering, 2024 could be their best chance in years to return to the top of the district.

Courtland

Wins Projection: 8.5

Courtland football is a program steeped in tradition, with four state championships from the 80s in their history. However, it’s been a while since they’ve made a deep playoff run. Of course being in one of the hardest regions in the state doesn't really help After a solid 7-3 regular season last year, the Cougars were overmatched by Richmond powerhouse Varina, falling 43-0 in the first round. With head coach JC Hall entering his 22nd season, Courtland is looking to finally break through and make noise in the postseason again. Known for their gritty Wing-T offense, the Cougars are starting to mix in more Spread looks, a move that could open things up for their playmakers. (Senior) WR/DB Killan Perry will be a key threat in the passing game, while (Senior) RB/DT Marcus LaRue brings the toughness on both sides of the ball. Keep an eye on (Senior) WB/WR/LB Christian Olivella, who embodies the versatility and physicality that Courtland thrives on. The addition of (Junior) TE Keegan Parker, a 6'7", 245-pound transfer from Riverbend, adds a new dimension to the offense and could be a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. When looking at their schedule many games will be great tests to see where the Cougars are as a program this season Courtland may be a smaller program, but they’re always known for their fight. If they can blend their traditional grit with a more dynamic offense, they could finally make it past the first round for the first time since 2015.

King George

Wins Projection: 7.5

The King George Foxes have been the gold standard in the region, dominating since 2020 with a series of standout quarterbacks and deep playoff runs. Last season, they posted a perfect 10-0 regular season before falling in the state semifinals to eventual champion Phoebus, 25-13. However, with key departures like WR Mekai White (Maryland), WR Chanz Wiggins (Virginia Tech), MLB Jamari Cox, and QB Jack Pearson to graduation, many view 2024 as a potential rebuilding year for the Foxes. Coach Vern Lundsford, now in his 9th season, faces the challenge of keeping his program atop the district. The team will lean heavily on (Junior) TE Daniel Grigsby to be a reliable target in the passing game, while (Senior) RB/LB Charles Johnson will carry the load on the ground and provide leadership on defense. (Senior) D/DT David Smith will anchor the defensive line, while (Senior) DB Ky'mani Carpenter, a transfer from St. Michaels, could make an immediate impact in the secondary. The big question: Can King George hold off rising challengers like Courtland and Eastern View to make it five district titles in a row? With a program that’s been built on winning, don’t count them out just yet, even in a "rebuilding" year.

Spotsylvania

Wins Projection: 4.5

The Spotsylvania Knights are looking to turn the page on a challenging stretch, having missed the playoffs for four consecutive seasons. After a 4-6 record in 2023, longtime head coach Jeremy Jack stepped down, quietly overshadowed by the more high-profile coaching changes at Riverbend and Massaponax. Now, new head coach Conway Reid steps in, hoping to bring fresh energy to a program that showed promise in district play last year, finishing 4-3 despite struggles out of district. The Knights will rely on their dynamic backfield duo of (Junior) RB/DB Braylon Puller and (Junior) RB/DB Ayden Butler, who boasts elite 4.39 speed. Both players will be key on both sides of the ball, with Puller expected to provide stability and Butler the explosiveness. On defense, (Junior) DE Tucker Barton will be a force on the edge, looking to disrupt opposing offenses. The big question is whether Coach Reid can pull off an upset or two against a tough schedule that includes Atlee, Lafayette, and Brooke Point, or even one of the district’s top programs. If the Knights can build on their district performance from last season, they could be poised for a breakout year under new leadership.

James Monroe

Wins Projection: 3.5

Many of us are familiar with James Monroe know that not so long ago the Yellow Jackets consitently started the year as one of the best teams in this area, unfortunately the more immediate past has not been so kind for the Tough City squad. After back-to-back 2-8 seasons, the program is far removed from its days of dominance under legendary coach Rich Serbay. With no winning regular season since 2019, Coach George Coghill, now in his 4th season, is determined to restore the Yellow Jackets to their former glory. This year, the Yellow Jackets will rely on the leadership of (Senior) WR/DB Jayden Bumbrey, a versatile playmaker who will be counted on to make an impact on both sides of the ball. Defensively, (Senior) SS/OLB David Boateng will anchor a unit that is hungry to regain the toughness that once defined James Monroe football. Coach Coghill knows that rebuilding a program takes time, but he's looking to build consistency and foster a winning culture again. With some emerging talent and a renewed focus, this could be the year the Yellow Jackets surprise some people and get back into the district conversation. While it may be a long road, don’t be surprised if James Monroe starts to regain some of its old swagger this season.

Chancellor

Wins Projection: 3

The Chancellor Chargers have had a rough go of it lately, finishing 2-8 last season and going 3-17 over the past two years. Head coach Neil Sullivan, who led North Stafford to a regional title in 2019, is in his 3rd season at the helm, trying to find the right formula to rebuild Chancellor into a contender. The team has faced numerous challenges, including the impact of re-zoning, which has decimated their depth and talent pool. This season, Sullivan will rely on (Senior) RB Landon Eckhart, a powerful 6'0", 215-pound back who can grind out tough yards and be a physical presence on offense. In the secondary, (Senior) CB Nigel Asamoah will be key to stabilizing the defense. Meanwhile, (Sophomore) Christian Sims, a promising 6'3", 210-pound athlete, could emerge as a difference-maker on both sides of the ball as he continues to develop. The road to rebuilding Chancellor will be tough, but with Sullivan’s coaching pedigree and a core of talented players, there’s hope that the Chargers can begin to turn things around. If they can overcome their challenges, don’t be surprised if Chancellor starts making some noise in the district sooner rather than later.

Culpeper

Wins Projection: 2.5

The Culpeper Blue Devils are coming off a challenging 2-8 season, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2020. With an up-and-down recent history that includes a state semifinal run in 2018 and last season’s struggles, the Blue Devils are hoping for a resurgence under second-year coach Eric Sherry. Culpeper’s offense will hinge on (Junior) QB Caleb Green, a 6'2", 185-pound signal-caller who has the tools to lead the team effectively. He’ll have a reliable target in (Junior) WR Riley Lentz, who stands at 6'0" and brings a strong presence to the receiving corps. On the defensive side, (Junior) C/DE Kameron Dodson, at 6'0" and 220 pounds, will be a key player in anchoring the line and applying pressure. One notable point of contention for the Blue Devils is their ongoing rivalry with cross country rival Eastern View, which has been a consistent thorn in their side since Eastern View’s opening in 2008. This season, breaking that losing streak on opening night would be a significant achievement and a morale booster. Coach Sherry’s second year will be crucial for setting the tone and establishing a new culture. If the Blue Devils can leverage their key players and make some adjustments, they might just find their stride and turn things around.